Abstract: Compounds of formula 1 modulate the activity of Rho C: wherein R1 is H, OH, or lower alkyl; R2, R3, R4, R5, and R6 are each independently H, halo, lower alkyl, OH, lower alkoxy, NH2, lower alkylamino, di(lower alkyl)amino, SH, lower alkylthio, NO2, or two residues together form a heterocyclic ring; R7, R8, R9, and R10 are each independently H, lower alkyl, OH, NH2, aryl, or aralkyl, where aryl and aralkyl are substituted with 0-3 moieties selected from the group consisting of halo, OH, NH2, lower alkyl, lower alkoxy, SH, lower alkylthio, and lower alkylamino; R11, R12, R13, R14, R15, and R16 are each independently H, halo, lower alkyl, OH, lower alkoxy, or NO2; or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof.

Abstract: The present invention provides methods for interfacing computer technology with biological and chemical processing and synthesis equipment. In preferred embodiments, the present invention features methods for the computer to interface with equipment useful for biological and chemical processing and synthesis in a remote manner.

Abstract: A solid phase synthesis method for the preparation of diverse sequences of separate polymers or nucleic acid sequences using electrochemical placement of monomers of nucleic acids at a specific location on a substrate containing at least one electrode that is preferably in contact with a buffering or scavenging solution to prevent chemical crosstalk between electrodes due to diffusion of electrochemically generated reagents.

Abstract: Methods and compositions are provided that teach the use of purified melanin compositions to treat, prevent, or ameliorate diseases that are associated with excess cytokine production. In particular, methods and compositions are provided that are useful in reducing the cellular production and release of the cytokine TNF-&agr;, and the adverse disease consequences associated therewith.